Two species of abalone are harvested in Tasmania: blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) and greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata). Both species are mobile bottom dwellers that graze on drift seaweed and algae on rock surfaces.

The value of abalone production in 2000-01 was $129.4m, based on a catch of 2,709 tonnes.

ABALONE FISHERY, Tasmania

Weight

Value of production

Years

tonnes

$m

1996-97

2,227

63.1

1997-98

2,363

80.9

1998-99

2,559

74.2

1999-2000

2,565

99.5

2000-01

2,709

129.4

Source: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.

Commercial fishing of abalone is carried out by divers using compressed air (usually supplied from the surface by hookah gear). The vast majority of the catch is taken close to shore in depths of less than 20 metres.

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